Contact lenses are a popular alternative to eyeglasses for those who require vision correction. They offer a more natural appearance and are often more comfortable to wear than glasses. However, like any other medical device, contact lenses have a finite lifespan and can experience wear and deterioration over time. This can lead to discomfort, reduced vision quality, and even eye infections if not addressed promptly.

Understanding the signs of contact lens wear and deterioration is essential for maintaining good eye health and ensuring that your contact lenses continue to provide clear, comfortable vision. 

Understanding Overuse of Contact Lenses

Overuse of contact lenses refers to using them for longer periods than recommended by the manufacturer or your eye care professional. This can occur when you wear your lenses beyond their intended replacement schedule or when you wear them for extended periods without giving your eyes a break.

Regularly overusing your contact lenses can cause a buildup of proteins, lipids, and other debris on the lens surface. This buildup can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and even eye infections. As such, it's crucial to follow the recommended wear and replacement schedule provided by your eye care professional to avoid potential complications.

Common Signs of Contact Lens Overwear

Contact lens overwear is a term used to describe the condition where the contact lens is worn beyond its intended lifespan or the recommended wearing schedule. This can lead to several issues, including discomfort, reduced vision quality, and increased risk of eye infections. Some common signs of contact lens overwear include:
 

• Discomfort or irritation: If your contact lenses have been overused, they may become uncomfortable to wear. This can manifest as a feeling of dryness, itchiness, or a foreign body sensation in the eye.
   

• Blurred vision: Overworn contact lenses may cause blurred vision, as protein and lipid deposits can accumulate on the lens surface and impede light transmission.
   

• Redness or inflammation: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can cause the blood vessels in the eye to dilate, leading to redness and inflammation.
   

• Increased light sensitivity: Overworn contact lenses may cause increased sensitivity to light, making it difficult to tolerate bright environments.

Physical Symptoms of Contact Lenses Overuse

In addition to the signs of contact lens overwear mentioned above, there are several physical symptoms that may indicate that your contact lenses are being overused. These symptoms can be more severe and may require immediate attention from an eye care professional. Some physical symptoms of contact lenses overuse include:
 

• Swelling of the cornea: Overusing contact lenses can cause the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye) to swell, leading to discomfort and blurred vision.
   

• Corneal abrasions: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can cause the lenses to rub against the cornea, potentially causing small scratches or abrasions. This can be painful and may lead to blurred vision or increased light sensitivity.
   

• Eye infections: Overused contact lenses can become contaminated with bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens, increasing the risk of eye infections.

How to Identify Contact Lens Deterioration

Contact lens deterioration refers to the physical changes that occur in the lens over time, making it less effective and potentially uncomfortable to wear. Some indicators of contact lens deterioration include:
 

• Changes in lens appearance: Deteriorating contact lenses may appear cloudy, discolored, or have visible deposits on the surface.
   

• Lens damage: Cracks, tears, or other visible defects in the contact lens may indicate deterioration.
   

• Reduced lens performance: If your contact lenses are no longer providing clear, comfortable vision, they may have deteriorated beyond their usable lifespan.

When to Replace Your Contact Lenses

The appropriate time to replace your contact lenses depends on the type and wearing schedule recommended by your eye care professional. Some general guidelines include:
 

• Daily disposable lenses: These lenses are designed to be worn and discarded after a single use, so they should not be reused.
   

• Bi-weekly or monthly lenses: These lenses should be replaced every two weeks or monthly, depending on the manufacturer's recommendation.
   

• Extended wear lenses: Some contact lenses are designed for extended wear and can be worn continuously for up to 30 days. However, it's essential to follow your eye care professional's advice and give your eyes a break when needed.
   

Keep in mind that these guidelines are general recommendations and that your individual needs may vary. Always consult with your eye care professional to determine the best replacement schedule for your specific situation.

Conclusion

Understanding the signs of contact lens wear or deterioration is essential for maintaining good eye health and ensuring that your contact lenses continue to provide clear, comfortable vision. Recognizing the signs will also help you can take the necessary steps to replace your lenses when needed and avoid potential complications.

For more information on contact lens wear and deterioration, visit Optical Masters at our offices in Denver, Colorado. Call (720) 807-7300 or (720) 807-7600 to discuss any questions with our team of experts or to schedule an appointment today.